Hey All,
First post on here, recommended from Pistonheads...
I'm considering swapping my barge (3.0 omega) for a panda 100hp. I've been tempted by low running costs, cheap insurance and fun handling. I only commute 20 miles per day, however it will be our "main" car, which with the size of the Panda is my only concern.
Managed to have a seat in one this weekend, wasn't able to take it for a drive, which I'll do this week.
First thoughts, it has quite a tardis like quality with its low roof line, however, once inside their is a reasonable amount of room. I'm 6-2 and quite stocky, the only problem I had was the door closing on my right knee and the centre console encroaching on the left. I'm not sure whether this would be solved by altering my driving position, but it was comfy - just a bit different.
The quality of the materials inside where a little surprising, the door handle and door bins were a little flimsy at odds with the nice feel of the main dash switches. Its quite dark inside, although much better with the sun roof option, however that resulted the headroom being reduced, I'd leave it personally.
The rear seats are comfortable, however with me driving, the car would be a 3 seater, as with the seat all the way back the rear was totally unusable. Not something I was surprised about, and is true of all small cars. Boot space was adequate, minimal rear overhang but shopping etc would easily fit, think I would have to drop the seats for my golf clubs to fit (sorry!).
All in all I was quite impressed, but I don't know the compromise on space would lead me to resent the car in a few months. I going to drive it later this week and see how I feel. Anyone of a similar size care to comment...?
Also, anyone had any experience with getting a dealer price match from Fiat Supa Saver? I would need to get the car on finance, which they don't do, so would by buying through a main dealer.
Cheers
Lippy
First post on here, recommended from Pistonheads...
I'm considering swapping my barge (3.0 omega) for a panda 100hp. I've been tempted by low running costs, cheap insurance and fun handling. I only commute 20 miles per day, however it will be our "main" car, which with the size of the Panda is my only concern.
Managed to have a seat in one this weekend, wasn't able to take it for a drive, which I'll do this week.
First thoughts, it has quite a tardis like quality with its low roof line, however, once inside their is a reasonable amount of room. I'm 6-2 and quite stocky, the only problem I had was the door closing on my right knee and the centre console encroaching on the left. I'm not sure whether this would be solved by altering my driving position, but it was comfy - just a bit different.
The quality of the materials inside where a little surprising, the door handle and door bins were a little flimsy at odds with the nice feel of the main dash switches. Its quite dark inside, although much better with the sun roof option, however that resulted the headroom being reduced, I'd leave it personally.
The rear seats are comfortable, however with me driving, the car would be a 3 seater, as with the seat all the way back the rear was totally unusable. Not something I was surprised about, and is true of all small cars. Boot space was adequate, minimal rear overhang but shopping etc would easily fit, think I would have to drop the seats for my golf clubs to fit (sorry!).
All in all I was quite impressed, but I don't know the compromise on space would lead me to resent the car in a few months. I going to drive it later this week and see how I feel. Anyone of a similar size care to comment...?
Also, anyone had any experience with getting a dealer price match from Fiat Supa Saver? I would need to get the car on finance, which they don't do, so would by buying through a main dealer.
Cheers
Lippy